What Treatments are Available for Sleep Apnea?
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there are several treatment options available that can help you get the healthy restorative sleep you’ve been missing. Your doctor will recommend those that he or she feels are right for you.
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there are several treatment options available that can help you get the healthy restorative sleep you’ve been missing. Your doctor will recommend those that he or she feels are right for you.
Note: the following is for general information purposes and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, please consult with your physician regarding treatment for you.
Lifestyle Changes
Minor cases of sleep apnea can be treated with certain lifestyle changes, however, keep in mind that many cases of OSA need more comprehensive treatments. Some of these lifestyle changes include:
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
- Better treatment for allergies (if you have them)
- Exercise and proper diet
Surgery
In the most extreme cases of sleep apnea, surgery is required to correct the areas of the nose, jaw, mouth and throat that are creating the issues. Keep in mind that this is a major procedure and patients will not be considered for this type of treatment until all other options have been explored. Some of the surgeries that can be performed to treat OSA include:
- The shrinkage or removal of tissue at the back of the throat
- Repositioning of the jaw
- Implants into the soft palate
- Nerve stimulation
- Tracheostomy (the creation of a new airway)
- Removal of tonsils or adenoids
- Bariatric (weight loss) surgery
The Gold Standard in OSA Treatment
Thankfully, the most common, and generally most effective, treatment is also one of the simplest. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) involves using a device, known as a CPAP machine, to deliver a constant stream of gentle air pressure through a mask as you sleep. This helps you get the air you need to sleep comfortably and deeply, and most people find success using this method once they find a mask that suits them well. The treatment is relatively affordable and requires a prescription, but it is widely available to OSA patients and has very few side effects.
There are even travel-sized CPAP machines that can be taken with you when you need to be one the go, meaning you can get the treatment you need whether you are camping, staying in a hotel or traveling the world. These CPAP machines are covered by some insurance plans and can even be paid for using an HSA or FSA.
Need more information or have questions about travel-sized CPAP machines? Contact MyTranscend today.
